Helmcken Falls,British Columbia, Canada

Introduction:
Helmcken Falls was probably the most famous of the waterfalls that we saw in the Wells Gray Provincial Park. It seemed like tour buses would routinely stop here and offload their busloads of people thereby crowding the viewing deck and picnic area.

Helmcken Falls drops over the western escarpment of the Murtle Plateau. This huge lava deposit in the Wells Gray-Clearwater volcanic field was erupted from nearby fissures starting 200,000 years ago and filled the wide valley of the Clearwater River.

Its stunning power is just overwhelming. Of course, you can take the easy way out and drive to the viewpoint (if you want to live a little longer), but you get a closer and more inspiring view from the trail.